I love making my Healthy Easy Apple Crisp using crisp apples, tangy lemon juice, and a hint of cinnamon combined with rolled oats and butter for a satisfying crunch. The blend of granulated and brown sugar, flour, and spices creates enchantment in every bite. My recipe offers a memorable fall indulgence.

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I’m excited to share my Ultimate Apple Crisp recipe with you because its a fun twist on a traditional fall dessert. I started with six medium apples that are peeled, cored and thinly sliced so they cook perfectly.

I add one tablespoon of lemon juice to brighten things up along with half a cup of granulated sugar for some extra sweetness. Then I mix in two teaspoons of ground cinnamon (divided) and a pinch of salt, as well as a quarter cup of brown sugar to create a balance of spice and rich flavor.

The crisp topping is made by combining one cup of old fashioned rolled oats, 3/4 cup all-purpose flour and half a cup of cold unsalted butter that is cubed. I learned that sometimes the easiest recipes, like this one that is ready in just 45 minutes, often create the best apple desserts.

Its a fun recipe that never fails to impress anyone who tries it!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because it just feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. First off, the mix of sliced apples with that hit of lemon and cinnamon really makes it a burst of flavor, and it reminds me of simpler times when fall meant big family meals. I also like how the crunchy topping made of oats, flour, and butter gives it a cool texture – it’s kinda like a surprise every time you bite into it. Another thing is that its super easy to whip up, and it only takes about 45 minutes, so I don’t need to spend a whole day in the kitchen. Lastly, pairing it with ice cream or whipped cream makes it even more indulgent, so it feels like a treat reserved just for special moments.

Ingredients

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Apples: They add fiber, natural sweetness and a crisp texture that makes the dish really wholesome.
Lemon juice: Gives a bit of tangy sour flavor and helps keep the apples from browning.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the recipe and nicely balances the tart flavors in a simple way.
Ground cinnamon: Sprinkles warmth and extra aroma while offering a few antioxidants.
Rolled oats: They provide fiber and crunch, making the crisp topping hearty and fun.
Butter: Brings richness and helps bind ingredients, creating a melt in mouth finish.
Brown sugar: Its molasses touch adds deep sweetness and moisture to the crunchy top layer.

Ingredient Quantities

6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (divided)

1/4 cup brown sugar (divided)

1 cup old fashioned rolled oats

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

A pinch of salt

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.

2. In a big bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and half of the brown sugar.

3. Pour the apple mixture evenly into the prepared dish.

4. In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, remaining half of the brown sugar, and a pinch of salt.

5. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry topping ingredients.

6. Mix the topping with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture becomes crumbly.

7. Sprinkle the crumbly topping evenly over the apple layer.

8. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45 minutes, until the apples are tender and the topping is golden and crisp.

9. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

10. Enjoy your warm Ultimate Apple Crisp with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat!

Equipment Needed

1. Preheated oven (375°F)
2. A 9×9-inch baking dish
3. Two large mixing bowls (one for the apple mixture and one for the dry topping)
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. A pastry cutter or fork (to cut the butter into the topping)
6. A spatula for mixing and transferring the ingredients
7. Oven mitts for safely removing the hot dish from the oven

FAQ

Q: Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

A: Yup, you can use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp; they give a nice balance of flavors.

Q: Do I have to peel the apples or can I skip that step?

A: The recipe calls for peeled apples to keep the texture smooth, but if you like a bit more bite, you can try leaving a little bit of skin on.

Q: How do I get that perfect crispy topping?

A: Make sure you use cold butter and mix it with the oats, flour, sugars, and salt just until combined; overmixing can make it turn mushy in the oven.

Q: How long should I bake the apple crisp?

A: Bake it in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 45 to 55 minutes, until the apples are bubbly and the topping is golden brown.

Q: Can I make it ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prep the apples and topping separately the day before and store them in the fridge; just bring them to room temp before baking.

Ultimate Apple Crisp Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you don’t have lemon juice, try apple cider vinegar or even a squeeze of lime juice. They work pretty well in a pinch
Instead of granulated sugar, you could use coconut sugar which will give it a slight caramel taste
For brown sugar, maple syrup can be a decent alternative. Just remember you’ll need to reduce a bit of the liquid elsewhere in the recipe
If you’re out of unsalted butter, margarine or coconut oil can do the trick though it might change the flavor a bit

Pro Tips

1. Try mixing up the apple types if you can – using a couple different ones (like tart granny smith with a sweeter variety) can really boost the flavor profile and give it a cool layered tang.
2. Make sure that butter is super cold when you mix it into your topping stuff. Cold butter makes the crumbly topping way crisper, and if its not cold enough, it might end up all mushy.
3. Let the dish sit for a few minutes after it comes out of the oven. It gives the crisp a bit of time to firm up, which makes it easier to scoop out and enjoy.
4. If you like your crisp extra toasty, you might want to pop it back in the oven for a few more minutes at the end—but watch it closely so it ain’t burnt.